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Saturday, December 31, 2011

If you have arrived as part of the January 2012 Blog Train, you are in the right place! 2012 brings many new and exciting changes. I am closing my store at Faith Sisters AND I am truly pleased to announce my new affiliation with (anddigi storeat) Natural Designs in Scrapbooking. (More on both of these announcements below.)

But first… what would the new year be without a freebie. Welcome to the January 2012 Blog Train! The theme is REFRESH – a great way to start 2012.

(As you ride along the train, please be sure to leave some “love” and positive comments for each of these designers. There is a real person behind each of these digital kits and they each spend their personal time creating these free digital goodies for you.) Here is my contribution to this great collection of digital goodness. You can download my mini kit here (or simply click on the preview below)

Back to my announcements! I have been truly blessed to spend the last 16 months at FaithSisters. The designers, creative team and membership have always been uplifting and positive. It was a great place to call home. I thoroughly enjoyed co-hosting Providence 365 with Barbara at Precepts and Promises as well as hosting the monthly 1,2,3 Scrap! Challenge. I thank each of you at Faith Sisters for a wonderful experience.

I am embarking on a new adventure and am tickled to announce my new home (and store) at Natural Designs in Scrapbooking (NDISB). I am impressed with the great group of designers at this site, the quality products that are offered, the supportive forum and the inspiration that can be found in the gallery. I encourage you to stop by and visit! I am in the process of transferring many of my digital kits over to NDISB and have many more in the works.Make sure to subscribe to this blog and “like” by the Shore designs on Facebook for more fun announcements in the next few weeks! The year will be filled with freebies, challenges, new products, inspiration and fun! 2012 is going to be a fabulous year and you won’t want to miss it.

Enjoy the rest of your journey on the January 2012 REFRESH Blog Train! And I look forward to seeing you again….by the Shore!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Looking for some inspiration. Strathmore Artist Papers is offering 3 workshops in 2012...they are free and self placed. The workshops include videos and downloadable instructions. While I have not taken their workshops in the past, I am looking forward to the classes - I love to learn. While not scrapbook related, we can find inspiration everywhere, including and especially in other artistic arenas. Won't you join me? The first workshop is title "Doodles Unleashed, Mixed Media Techniques" and begins January 1. (Did I mention they are free!)

Having a wonderful winter break...but sure am wishing I were....by the Shore.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Luke 2:10-16And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.I love hearing the story of Baby Jesus from the book of Luke. And it doesn’t matter if I hear it during worship, during a children’s Christmas program…or when Linus shares the Word during Charlie Browns Christmas – it is a story that never gets old, brings a smile to my face and warms my heart.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

As we bring Providence 365 to a close, I pray that you have been blessed through our year long journey. Barbara (Precepts and Promises) and I (Pam of by the Shore designs) have enjoyed sharing His word and pray that you have found words for reflection that have been timely and inspiration for your scrapbooking layouts using our word-art.

Please take a moment to share with us in the forum at Faith Sisters how our Providence 365 journey impacted you. Thank you for joining us in 2011. Please make sure to visit us on our blogs for more inspiration in 2012 – God Bless and give Glory to God in the Highest!.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Tis the season! Our Christmas cards are in the mail (well, most of them)

Shannon, Georgie and I had a fun photoshoot in November with ShannonNeill Photography at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. The primary purpose of the photoshoot was to surprise my husband Dave with pics of "the girls" - but I was able to select some super pictures of my daughters to use on our Christmas cards. I then went to my favorite online printing place - Persnickety Prints - and designed our cards from their awesome selection of templates. I ordered them on December 3rd, they shipped on the 4th and were received a few days later. Persnickety Prints NEVER lets me down. The quality of their printing is beyond compare and their customer service is exceptional.

If you are in the Colorado Springs area and are looking for a great local photographer, please consider Shannon Neill Photography. (She also was the photographer for my daughters Senior Pictures)

If you are "online" and looking for a fabulous printer - head on over to Persnickety Prints!

Monday, December 19, 2011

I am excited to be able to attend this 2 day workshop in Utah in February. Carina Gardner is a fabulous instructor and the small class size offers a great opportunity for one on one guidance. You can check it out here ---- http://www.carinagardner.com/workshops/ There are still a few openings for those designers that are interested!

And over at jessicasprague.com, there is a super sale going on - check out the online classes and the scrumptious digi products - up to 35% off! I have signed up for their new Photoshop Fridays Series for 2012. Merry Christmas to me! I love being able to get a quick refresher on photoshop techniques and I especially love adding another layout to my "to be printed" folder. (I am still exploring a few of the other classes available as well as some of the digital goodness in the store. Decisions,decisions!) The sale is only through December so head over to www.jessicasprague.com now!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Light one candle for Hope. One bright candle for Hope. He brings hope to every heart, He comes He comes.Light one candle for Peace. One bright candle for Peace. He brings peace to every heart, He comes, He comes.Light one candle for Joy. One bright candle for Joy. Every nation, shall find salvation in Bethlehem’s Baby Boy.Light one candle for Love. One bright candle for Love, He brings love to every heart, He comes, He comes

Several years ago when my daughter was in our church Christmas Pageant, they sang this song. (And I wish I could give it proper credit, but I am unable to find the author) During the season of advent, it is a song that plays through my head and brings a smile to my face. Not only does it bring happy memories of a little girl in a velvety red dress , it reminds me that during Advent we wait and prepare.

Today is the third Sunday of Advent. It is often known as Gaudete Sunday. In Latin, Gaudete means REJOICE. On this third Sunday of Advent, we rejoice that our Good Lord is coming.

Today’s Bible verse comes from Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

REJOICE!During this season of Advent – how do you prepare? How do you rejoice?

Saturday, November 26, 2011

For those in the United States, I pray that you each had a blessed Thanksgiving, surrounded by family, friends and loved ones.

It is hard to believe that it is week 48 of our 52 week journey through Providence 365. I have personally been blessed to be able to work with Barbara and share with you His words of inspiration.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

To be joyful, patient and faithful – these three words represent completely different actions – yet in this verse they are strongly intertwined. When we rejoice in hope, we are waiting confidently for an expected outcome. When we rejoice in hope, we are better able to be patient, sit quietly and wait when times of tribulation occur. And during these difficult times we need to pray without ceasing more than ever.

Where do you find hope? How has hope helped you through those rough spots? And are you faithful in your prayer life?

In addition to Romans 12:12, here are a few more verses to reflect on:Philippians 4:!9Hebrews 11:1

Barbara and I love to see the layouts you create with the Providence 365 wordart. Be sure to post it in our Faith Sisters Providence 365 Gallery and share with us in the Providence 365 forum - here

As I close this week’s Providence 365, I have a special prayer request for a young boy named Peter. Prayer is so powerful. Peter is fighting a strong battle against a few known illnesses and a few yet to be identified. While he has seen a couple of upswings in the last 2 weeks – his current condition is one that has his doctors and family very concerned. Please lift Peter and his family in prayer. His Mom shared a message today on his ‘Care Page’ that brought me to tears. Despite his health conditions, she puts her faith in our Lord and knows that Peter is not alone and is in His loving arms. She had prayed early on that regardless of what his little body was fighting on the outside, that he would not be alone and would find comfort and joy on the inside. She knows that this is the case and this brings her hope. Thank you for lifting this lil guy in prayer.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Tiffany Tillman (Simply Tiffany Studios) is getting ready to launch a new workshop -2011 Holiday Templates. I simply love Tiffany's classes and workshops - her teaching style is great - and I always walk away tickled pink with what I have completed.

I encourage you to check out the class - and there is a giveaway (did I forget to mention that) Check it out - >>>>> here

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Colossians 4:2)

Begin each day in prayer. End each day in prayer. And in between…well…...pray. We have so much to be thankful for – and I GIVE THANKS each day through prayer.

One of my annual traditions is to share with others all of the blessings that I am thankful for. I personally do this on my ‘facebook’ page and I have several friends and family members that do the same. As I prepare each days post, it reminds me how blessed I am and how much I truly have to be thankful for. As I reread my posts and read the posts of others, I am often struck by how much I take for granted in life and how much I truly have to be thankful for.

At the end of this message are my personal “Giving Thanks” posts that I have shared on facebook so far this November. I encourage you to share with others your own blessings. You can do this through a social media like facebook, your personal blog or simply telling a friend or loved one. As you share, I pray that you too will realize just how blessed you are.

At the end of the month, I plan on creating and framing a layout with the full collection of each of my daily “Giving Thanks” facebook posts ~ something that I can keep in a prominent place in my home as a constant reminder of my own blessings.

As the year starts coming to a close, I encourage you to make sure you have downloaded all of the previous week’s gifts that Barbara and I have created for you. Shortly after the new year, they will no longer be available, and we want to make sure that you – our faithful Providence 365 friends – have had the opportunity to obtain these lovely pieces of wordart.

As always, be sure to share your Providence 365 layout in our gallery and in our Providence 365 forum.

Till Next Week…..may you be blessed beyond measure.

(My 'Giving Thanks' Facebook Posts – Day 1-13)

Beginning our traditional 30 days of Thanksgiving. I am thankful for a loving God. And on that, I could go on and on....but that pretty much says it all.

Giving thanks. Day 2. A loving and supportive husband. Blessed we are together. AMLFAA

Giving Thanks - Day 3. I am thankful for two loving parents. Love you bunches Mom and Dad - you helped mold me into who I am today - you model love, compassion, hard work, dedication, strong morals and values and so much more - in everything you say and do.

Giving Thanks - Day 4. Shannon , while not our first child, you are my first born and I love you bunches and bunches. You continue to mature into a beautiful young lady, thoughtful, loving and caring, compassionate, talented, strong in your faith and....(wait for it) sassy. And I love every one of your traits as they help define who you are. You are my Koala Lou, I have always loved you and always will.

Giving thanks – Day 5...I thank God daily for the blessing of Georgie. She has taught me so much about life and unconditional love. You are my little nutbrown hare...love you to the moon and back.

Giving Thanks – Day 6 ~ I am thankful for three awesome older children. I have been blessed by each of you in countless ways throughout the years. Sarah, Jessica, and Chris ~ I love you more than you will know.

Giving Thanks, Day 7 ~ Giving thanks for a warm home and a roof over my head. Recognizing that not everyone in the world, this country, this state and even this city has this blessing. It is one I do not take for granted.

Giving Thanks ~ Day 8 - Thankful for a full tummy. We are blessed to have healthy foods to nourish our bodies, keeping us strong and healthy. We have not experienced true hunger like so many around the community and world. Thankful that we are also able to share this blessing with those in need.

Giving Thanks ~ Day 9 ~ I am thankful for water....for cool refreshing drinks, for its use in creating warm cups of coffee and tea, for hydrating my body, for the flowers and plants that thrive and grow, for bathing, for the powerful ocean that brings me joy, for a gentle stream that brings peace...but first and foremost for the waters of baptism, that washed my sins away.

Giving Thanks ~ Day 10 I am thankful for things that move. Reliable cars that get us to and from school, work and other destinations; planes that deliver us safely to visit family and friends; lawnmowers that keep our (sometimes) green grass neat and trim; and even my own body that moves each morning out of bed to begin another glorious day.

Giving Thanks ~ Day 11. I am thankful for freedom, a gift that we should each embrace but that we sadly sometimes take for granted. Thankful for the men and women that serve now; veterans that have served in the past; those that gave their lives while protecting my freedom and for all of their families. God Bless You!

Giving Thanks ~ Day 12 - I am thankful for opportunities for individuals that have different abilities. As we head off to our Special Olympics State Bowling Competition, I am reminded how special each one of us is, how can we not be, He created us! Georgie, you are going to do great today (and the best part is, she is an awesome bowler, needs no accommodations, and she can totally kick it with her 'typical' peers)

Giving Thanks – Day 13 ~ I am thankful for technology. While at times, it can be a ‘touch’ impersonal, it allows me to stay connected with friends and family; to gather and share information; provide support to others and it provides entertainment. Technology can often make life easier, simpler and richer. Praying for a healthy balance of technology and ‘real life’ .

Friday, November 4, 2011

In celebration of Digital Scrapbooking Day (Saturday, November 5, 2011); ALL by the Shore design products at Faith Sisters are on sale -60 % off.....including the following best sellers:

Mosaic Template - ready for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements users - this template is a great way to display a variety of photos - in a fun and creative layout.

All Star Birthday Kits ~ available in pastel and primary colors. Not just for birthdays - this kit is perfect for any celebration and even everyday events (think of your superstar in sports!)

And our most recently released collection ~ Beautiful Music. A fabulous mega-collection of 8 kits features 18 papers and a variety of embellishments. This lovely collection will showcase your talented musician or vocalist. It is also flexible enough for so many more events and creative layouts!

You can begin your digital shopping adventure HERE. This incredible sale is only good through November 6th. Head on over now and add to your digi-stash!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40

Yesterday, my 10 year old daughter participated in our regional Special Olympics competition in bowling. Another amazing experience for our family. The event always begins in prayer and I cannot think of a better way to start. All of the athletes had a wonderful time and their positive spirit resonated throughout the bowling alley. What really struck me yesterday were the volunteers. They were out in full force – all to help make this experience the very best it could be for the athletes.

Where do you serve? Where would you like to volunteer? Where is the greatest need? We often serve in our church, but there are so many more opportunities in each of our greater communities. Reach out to all of our brothers and sisters, lend a helping hand. Perhaps in a soup kitchen, in a school, a homeless shelter for families, a food pantry, Special Olympics….His children need us.

This week, reflect on where you serve or where there may be a need in your community that you have not considered before.

Monday, October 24, 2011

I participated in a Digi-Swap again this month with Kelly at SimplyKellyDesigns. This month I was paired up with Kelly herself! She sent me 7 pictures and journaling - my task was to create a layout for her. (and she did the same for me)

Here is the layout that Kelly made for me. This is my daughter's first day of school this year. Kelly used Connie Prince's Back to School Kit and Simply Kelly Designs 4 Photo Template.

And here is the layout I created for Kelly. This is a double layout which features our time together at last year's Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Supershow in Chicago. This was the first time I met Kelly in 'real life' and we had a blast! I used JessicaSpragues Layered Template #5 (with a few modifications) and papers from KaloDesigns. I had fun - not just creating this layout but also remembering good times with special friends.Signups are now taking place over at SimplyKellyDesigns for Novembers DigiSwap. Head on over now and give it a try. It's a lot of fun - and you can add another layout into your 'to be printed' folder. (you do need to register before you can see the actual sign up thread)

Wishing each of you a blessed week....full of sunshine and beautiful fall weather (but if you live near me, you are likely going to see 'white' in the next few days. Gotta love Colorado!)

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

While in Vegas, my friends and I enjoyed relaxing and chatting in Margaritaville. Whether it was after our classes for the day - or while we waited for another group activity - it was great to sit back and just 'chill'. The music was great (Jimmy Buffet, of course); the entertainment was fun and lively, the margaritas were heavenly and the food was scrumptious. BUT...the best part was spending time with good friends.

And...the layouts I have been creating for this digi-getaway use a special digital kit and templates made just for Spraguefest by the awesome designers at www.jessicasprague.com.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Last weekend, Barbara of Precepts and Promises and I had the unique opportunity to meet “in real life”. We attended a conference with over 75 digital scrapbookers from around the country. What a blessing it was to spend time together with my Providence 365 friend.

During the conference, we heard a quote that really put in perspective why many of us scrapbook.

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” ― Anaïs Nin

What does it mean to “remember”? Recall, reminisce, ‘think of’, ‘bring to mind’ are just a few of the words and phrases that we use to define remember.

We “recall” events and occasions. We “reminisce” about people we have met in the past that have made an impact on our lives. We “think of” people that are in our life today that are important to us. Certain situations “bring to mind” special memories from the past. And we thank God when we remember.

When we scrapbook, we sometimes let our pictures do the talking (a picture is worth a thousand words). More often than not, we journal our thoughts – documenting details and sharing feelings and emotions. And as we journal ~ we taste life twice.

Here is your challenge this week. Why do YOU scrapbook? What do you scrapbook? Who do you scrapbook about? Who enjoys your scrapbooks? (And do you actually get those layouts printed out or posted on a blog so that your loved ones can enjoy them too)

Friday, October 14, 2011

One of the best adventures I had in Vegas was at M&M World. Yes, you read that correctly - M&M World. Kelly, Bridget, Aprile and I had a blast exploring all four levels of this store - filled with FUN and of course M&Ms.

We even enjoyed a 3D mini-movie about the adventures of Red and Yellow! Too much fun! M&M World is a great place to visit and is perfect for kids - of ALL ages!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Happy Thursday! I am back from Vegas and Spraguefest. What an incredible adventure! Though I missed my family dearly, I had a great time spending my days with special friends and making many new friends. I am looking forward to creating a memorable scrapbook from this little get-away! Here are the first few pages (and I will share more layouts and photos from Vegas over the next week)

We had over 75 digi-scrappers from around the country attend this special event. Jessica Sprague led a class on digital scrapping; Carina Gardner led a fabulous hands-on class about color; Heidi Swapp shared a fun hybrid class where we created an album about gratitude. We even had a quick photography class led by Candice Stringham that prepared us to venture out and take some awesome night pictures.

I was finally able to meet a wonderful online friend - Barbara Garrett of Precepts and Promises. She was a designer with me at Faith Sisters and can now be found at GoDigitalScrapbooking. She is just as sweet in real life as she is 'online'. It was a joy to re-connect with Ann (of AndyDesigns). We met last year for the first time at Spraguefest 2010 in Chicago. I love her smile and she is so fun to be around. I also was blessed to be able to meet Susan who was Carina's "TA" during the Art of Digital Design 2 - a class I finished right before heading to Vegas.

One of the best parts of Spraguefest was getting together with friends that I originally met on the Cricut Message Board at least 3 years ago. Kelly of Simply Kelly Designs, Bridget and Aprile. We each have been working on Project 365 (also known at Project Life or "a picture a day") While I had met Kelly and Aprile last year at CHA and Spraguefest, this was my first time meeting Bridget. We all had a blast together.

Can I just say that some of my best friends live in my computer!

I'll be back during the next week to share about our classes, our adventures in M&M world, Margaritaville, the Neon Boneyard, an Elton John concert and more. The good news - I only left $1 in Vegas (and that was only so I could get a ticket to include in my scrapbook) ~ and ~ I only gained one pound - so I figure it's a wash.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go.......VEGAS, here I come! I am ever so excited to be heading to Spraguefest 2011. I will be joining over 75 other digi-scrappers at this awesome event. In addition to fabulous classes by Jessica Sprague, Carina Gardiner and Heidi Swapp; I will be able to spend time with some wonderful friends that I have met both online and 'in real life'.

I will also be going to Elton John's 3000 public concert - a special event to be sure. (at the time we purchased the tickets, we did not know it was a 'milestone' concert - how cool is that)

Here is an Artist Trading Card I made for sharing with the other Spraguefest participants. I created it digitally using my new Beautiful Music Symphony Paper Kit. (I can't wait to see what everyone else has created to share)

My Beautiful Music Paper Kits and Collections (along with all "by the Shore designs" products) are on sale at Faith Sisters through October for 30% off. Check out this great sale....here!

Enjoy your weekend (I know I will) I am looking forward to sharing with you when I return!

Monday, October 3, 2011

This year, my youngest daughter and I once again successfully met our goal of visiting the zoo every week during summer vacation. Our zoo is the country's only zoo that is set in the mountains - Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - and we love having a membership there. The zoo is a stone's throw from our home (well almost) so we can pop in, visit a few animal friends and leave, knowing that we can return any time we wish. (Her favorite animal is the giraffe)

I created this layout using by the Shore designs Touch of Spring Paper and Elements Collection. It was done as part of a speed scrap at MyMemories.com. If you have not participated in a speed scrap - it is lots of fun. A new "requirement" is provided every 5-10 minutes. A great way to get a layout done in less than one hour. I always step outside of my comfort zone trying a new technique or using a design element I might not have otherwise chosen. And the best part, I have a layout to add to my "to be printed" folder!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

What a gift it is to be able to journey with you through 2011 – seeking His providence, reading His word and spending time in prayer and reflection. This week, as I spent time choosing a verse for week 40 – I kept coming back to the book of Galatians, specifically chapter 5, verse 22. Then I would wander elsewhere in the bible thinking that perhaps there was another verse ‘more worthy’ for reflection this week – nope – He kept leading me back to Galatians 5:22. I read it in a daily devotion. I saw it posted on facebook. It jumped out at me from a book I was reading. And I overheard our older students discussing it this morning during Sunday School. Sometimes it takes a thunk on the head for me to listen.

We are blessed with a fresh attitude towards life and towards each other. He is the Vine and we are the branches and from the branches are the fruit that we bear. We cannot bear fruit if we are detached from the vine. We are lifeless. But when we are in a firm relationship with Jesus, with God, when we open our hearts and let the Holy Spirit in, we are blessed with the fruit of the Spirit. Our attitudes – our fruits are abundant.

What fruits are apparent in your life? What fruits may need nurturing?

I want to leave you with some ADDITIONAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT. The book I was reading this morning as I was preparing for this post referenced a quote by D.L. Moody –

“Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian”

This really stuck with me. I kept reading my devotion, but I also keep paging back to reflect on that quote. When others are “reading” me – do they see a Christian? I am displaying all of the fruits of the Spirit detailed in Galatians 5:22? Do others “see” Jesus exemplified in what I do and say? What about you?

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

This month I participated in a fun Scrap Swap at Simply Kelly Designs. In this swap, the participants names were swapped and you were to create a layout for the other person using their pictures. I simply LOVE these type of swaps as it often pushes you to 'step it up a notch' and I always find new inspiration - through the layout I create AND the one I receive. (Kelly is hosting another Scrap Swap for October - check it out! The more the merrier)

Here is the layout I made for my new friend Miranda. Aren't here son's eyes simply precious. I used a template from Scrapping with Liz at ScrapOrchard and by the Shore designs Harmony Paper Kit from the Beautiful Music Collection (released earlier this week)

The Harmony Paper Kit is available now at Faith Sisters and is on sale through September 30th. The entire Beautiful Music Collection is also on sale through the end of this month.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

by the Shore designs is excited to introduce our latest collection!Beautiful Music!

The Beautiful Music Collection is perfect for creating layouts that showcase the talents of your favorite musician and/or vocalist. AND...thepaper and elements are versatile enough foranylayout - making the collection ideal for those who simple love “pretty” paper and elements.

You may purchase the entire Beautiful Music Collection (which consists of all 8 individual kits) , the Beautiful Music Paper Collection (all three paper packs) – or you may purchase just those kits that ‘strike a chord’ with you. The choice is yours!! The kits fully coordinate with each other – making the entire collection versatile and flexible for your layouts, cards and hybrid projects….

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Welcome to week 38 of Providence 365. It is hard to believe that we are almost 3/4 of the way through the year.

Barbara and I have been so blessed that you have joined us on this journey. You have shared of yourselves and given us a glimpse into your lives. Thank you!

This week, I want you to reach over and pick up His Word. What is your favorite Bible? What special meaning does this bible have to you? Was it presented to you as a child, or by a good friend? Do you have a favorite version?

We have several Bibles here in our home. I have the one given to me as a 1st grader in our church in Massachusetts. I have one that belonged to my great Grandfather who was (I believe) a Methodist minister. We have versions in Spanish, babies Bibles, toddler's Bibles, children's Bible....you get the idea. His Word is in every room of our house. My personal favorite is an NIV Bible for Moms - with inspirational tidbits for reflection. This one in particular was given to me by my precious daughters.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Do you highlight special passages? Do you use the pages to protect special documents? Is your family history and lineage documented within this Bible?

Share with us what makes this Bible special (we know His Word is AWESOME)

Friday, September 9, 2011

One of my favorite digi bloggers is Simply Tiffany Studios. Tiffany is also one of my favorite digi instructors over at ReneePearson.com .

One of her latest blog posts shares a new resource for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements - RadLab. I am so impressed with what this program can do. It really simplifies the process of editing your photos - freeing your time for many other creative outlets. Take a few minutes and head over here to Tiffany's blog. She is also hosting a giveaway on her blog for one copy of RadLab.

On another note - I have been busy creating a new digital collection for you - here's a preview of what I will be releasing a bit later this month. Look very closely and perhaps you can identify the theme of this collection.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Cor 13:14

We are never alone. The bible reminds of us this – again and again. 2 Corinthians 13:14 reminds us that we are surrounded by His GRACE, His LOVE and His FELLOWSHIP. Take a peek at the following definitions. They help provide a bit of clarity as to the incredible relationship we have with our Father.

Definition of LOVE (excerpt)
1a (1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties

Definition of FELLOWSHIP (excerpt)
1: companionship, company
2a : community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience b : the state of being a fellow or associate
3: a company of equals or friends

As we go through each day, regardless of the challenges that present themselves – we are assured He is with us; He favors us; He has strong feelings for us; and He walks with us.

Life is Good! And God is Great.

I encourage you to spend some time focusing on this verse and document how His grace, His Love or His fellowship are central in your life. Here is wordart to help you.

Barbara and I love to see your layouts in the Providence 365 Gallery and here in the forum. We are blessed that you share a piece of your life and your own testimonies with us. If you have just recently discovered Providence 365, please know that you can go back to previous weeks and discover additional verses (and wordart) for personal reflection on and to help you document YOUR story.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Welcome to week 34 of Providence 365. Here in Colorado, the sun is shining and we’re looking forward to another beautiful day in the Lord.

Today’s bible verse is a favorite of mine. WHATEVER!

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

My first thought when I hear WHATEVER is when I hear it mumbled by a sassy teen. Deep down, I know that it means, “I know you’re right Mom, but I need to express a little independence”

WHATEVER!
In the “urban dictionary” – the definition is as follows: used in an argument to admit that you are wrong without admitting it so the argument is over. (my sassy teen)

WHATEVER!
In a more traditional dictionary, it mean: ‘anything or everything that’ or ‘no matter what’ (our focus today)

Look at the last line of Philippians 4:8 – THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS. The bible instructs use where our thoughts should be – no matter what.

Do you ever have those days where things are not going quite right? Or those days where you are anxious – about everything? What about times where you are struggling with a personal decision or choice? We can get buried in our own negative thoughts. And our own negative thoughts contribute to our confusion, anxiety and sadness. However, when we focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy –our thoughts become positive, uplifting and godly. WHATEVER!

This week – when your thoughts are buried – read this verse – and think about WHATEVER! It’s amazing what a shift in focus can do. We would love to see a layout using WHATEVER….whatever you care to share.

Here is wordart to get you started. Post your layout in the Providence 365 layout here at Faith Sisters and let us know here in the forum.
On another note, I have a personal request for all prayer warriors. I have a very special friend whose young baby is back in the hospital. The doctors have yet to identify what is wrong. Please lift baby G in prayer – for his personal health (and for strength and peace for his family). Thank You!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Happy Third Thursday! This is pammie~k from ‘by the Shore designs’. Welcome Back to 1,2,3 Scrap! ~ a scrapbook challenge where I provide you with three ‘requirements’ and you take it from there!

This month’s 1,2,3 Scrap ! challenge has a strong focus on COLOR!

I love color (bright bold colors are my favorites, pastels come in a close second) One of my favorite internet sites is www.kuler.adobe.com! If you have not checked it out, it is a fabulous tool. Bookmark this site and explore all of the fabulous color options that are available! I stumbled on Kuler a few years ago and it is definitely a keeper!

Black and White – as much as I love color, I also like the classic look of black and white. Converting photos to black and white is a wonderful approach to take when you have the perfect paper and elements for a layout, but the color does not necessarily go with your photos. On the flip side, when I have a photo that is color rich – I might use black and white papers so the photo takes center stage.

Let’s move on to our challenge….

August 1,2,3 Scrap!

1. Choose your favorite base color on Kuler – then use one of the following color ‘rules’
a. Analogous – base color with adjacent hues
b. Monochromatic – one color with varying intensity and lightness
c. Triad – three colors from around the traditional color wheel
d. Complementary – two opposing colors on the traditional color wheel
e. Shade – subtle variations of the base color/hue

You choose the base color and let Kuler help identify the additional colors in your palette http://kuler.adobe.com/#create/fromacolor -

Try to use only paper and elements that fall within your selected color palette.

2. Convert your photos to black and white. If you wish, you may pop the color of one item in your photo – as long as it is within your color palette identified in requirement one.

3. And your final requirement is to take color away from your title (think transparent or vellum) – use a bold text for your title and the color white – reduce the opacity as low as you feel comfortable so that you can ‘see thru’ the letters. In Photoshop (or PSE) I add a white stroke to the text on the layer above or below to add a bit of definition around the letters

If you have questions, please ask . (I know my directions might be a bit confusing) Give it a whirl! For those that complete the challenge and post your layout no later than September 15th in the Faith Sisters 1,2,3 Scrap! Gallery and the 1,2,3 Scrap Forum! (here) I will send you one of ’by the Shore designs’ layered templates or quick pages of your choice. Just send me a private message at Faith Sisters with your email address and your template or quickpage choice and I will email it directly over to you. I will work on this challenge in the next few days and post my own layout (back to school week is here and I am up to my eyeballs in number 2 pencils, school paper, backpacks, etc)

Be sure to come back next month – Third Thursday – for another edition of 1,2,3 Scrap! Until then, have a wonderful ‘rest of summer’.

Here is a link to word art to help you with this challenge. Click >>>>; HERE And as you work on this weeks’ challenge – give THANKS TO OUR LORD! Keep your completed layout handy and use it a reminder of just how blessed we are. (You may also consider creating this ‘layout’ as a printable file that can be matted and framed and proudly displayed for a gentle visual reminder of all the things you are thankful for) When you are done – please upload your layout in the Providence 365 Gallery at Faith Sisters and share the link with us. I cannot wait to see how many blessings you can identify! (I know my blessings are never ending….)